Angiotensin II Blockade May Reduce Risk of Skin Carcinoma

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Aug 28 - Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) appears to lower the incidence of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma among people at high risk, according to a study among US veterans. These veterans were followed for a mean of 3.4 years.  The group prescribed ACE or ARBs had a lower number of basal and squamous cell skin cancer develop during the study period.
Comment: These findings are preliminary and do not mean ACE or ARB type drugs will be used in the near future to prevent skin cancer.
References
(above abstract). http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/579786
(original article) Journal of the National Cancer Institute
J Natl Cancer Inst 2008;100:1223-1232

Audio Relaxation Program May Help Lower Blood Pressure In Elderly
An audio relaxation program lowered blood pressure more than a Mozart sonata in a group of elderly people with high blood pressure.
The audio program consisted of ocean waves with a human voice.  The researchers compared the effects of listening to a relaxation program with the effects of listening to a Mozart composition in two groups of elderly patients.  Both groups had a decrease in their systolic blood pressure (even in those patients that didn't like the relaxation program!), but the relaxation program lowered blood pressure more.
Comment.  Soothing music or relaxation tapes may be a helpful adjuvant to lowering blood pressure (but not a substitute for following your doctor's care instructions!).

Reference:
American Heart Association. "Audio Relaxation Program May Help Lower Blood Pressure In Elderly." ScienceDaily 17 September 2008. 19 September 2008 <http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/09/080917175031.htm>.

Tips for Measuring Blood Pressure at Home
Reference: Dr. William B. White
Los Angeles Times Health Section September 22 2008

D. White shared some tips for improving your home blood pressure monitoring including:
1.-Making sure your blood pressure cuff is the correct size for your arm.
2.-Check the packaging to make sure the monitor has been tested and validated for accuracy
3.-Remember that the target rate for a home blood-pressure reading is lower than the target reading in a medical setting.
4.Take the monitor to the doctor's office to be trained in its proper use.
5.-Change the batteries according to package instructions -- or if readings seem doubtful.
The full article is referenced above.